1988 Mercedes-Benz S-Class - SEC Cabriolet by Feldevert

The coupé from the 126 series was unveiled in October 1981. Its model designation is ‘SEC’. As coupé variants are traditionally positioned above saloons in the Mercedes hierarchy, the SEC was also more expensive and better equipped than the saloons and was only available with V8 engines. Unfortunately, Mercedes did not offer any 4-seater convertibles at that time, which was desired by some customers – this is where Gerhard Feldevert‘s company GFG (‘Gerhard Feldevert Gronau’) came into play. Feldevert made a name for himself in turbo technology in the early 1980s. Later, the company specialized in refining Mercedes S-Class saloons, which could be converted into six-door saloons or full convertibles, among other things. In 1986, he presented the convertible based on the Mercedes 500 SEC, which could be ordered for a total price of around DM 230’000. The convertible offered here was delivered in November 1985 to Gronau as Coupé in ‘Barolo red’ with ‘Champignon’ leather, air conditioning, cruise control, electrically adjustable and heated driver‘s seat and electric sunroof, where it underwent – probably as one of the first cars - extensive conversion. The necessary reinforcements were welded in and an electric fabric soft top was fitted, which can be operated using the original sunroof switch. The finished vehicle was delivered new to Switzerland and registered for the first time on 1 October 1988. After presumably four owners, the exclusive convertible was taken over by the consignor in 2024. As the service booklet shows, the SEC has always been well maintained. In its early years, the car was slightly lowered using Straub suspension springs, and later a set of Lorinser 16-inch alloy wheels was fitted. With 96’800 kilometers on the clock, this luxury liner is in very good and beautiful condition. The last veteran MOT took place in June 2021.